Syncrude contribution a catalyst for conservation of global importance
Boreal forest by Fort McMurray, AB (Photo by Michel Rapinski)
A $2.3-million Landmark Campaign contribution from Syncrude Canada Ltd. was the catalyst for the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s (NCC’s) latest conservation achievement: the protection of an Alberta boreal forest of global importance. The 3,300 km2 area in northeast Alberta is a haven for 68 species of conservation concern, including peregrine falcon, wood bison and woodland caribou. When combined with other adjacent conserved lands totalling close to 70,000 km2, this area represents the largest stretch of contiguous protected boreal forest on the planet — an area more than twice the size of Belgium.
Syncrude’s campaign contribution — the largest contributor to the project — helped NCC acquire the area’s timber quota from the Tallcree Tribal Government. NCC then worked with the Tallcree to return the quota to the Government of Alberta. The Government of Alberta cancelled the timber quota, paving the way for the lands to become Birch River Wildland Park.
“The impact of this conservation project reaches well beyond the region, the Province of Alberta or even Canada,” says NCC president and CEO John Lounds. “This is conservation on a global scale.”
In addition to providing important habit for threatened species, the Birch River Wildland Park acts as a carbon sink. It also helps to regulate climate and provide clean air and water. Conserving the land contributes directly to Canada’s Target 1 pledge to conserve 17 per cent of land and inland waters by 2020.
“Syncrude is proud to be a part of this historic partnership to create the world’s largest boreal forest conservation area. It shows what’s achievable when we work together toward a common goal,” says Doreen Cole, managing director of Syncrude.
“We are grateful for the work of all our partners who have joined together to achieve conservation through collaboration. I would also like to thank NCC staff and volunteers who dedicated their time and efforts toward this project,” adds Lounds.
